Patchouli essential oil (Pogostemon cablin) has been popular for decades. It has both beauty and emotional benefits.
Contents
Uses
Patchouli essential oil may improve the appearance of dry, dull skin and is an ideal complement when added to your favorite skin care products. Diffuse this oil for a calming, relaxing, peaceful fragrance
Benefits
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- Grounding, balancing effect on emotions
- Promotes a smooth, glowing complexion
- Reduces the appearance of wrinkles, scars, and stretch marks
- Emotionally, patchouli essential oil is also said to connect one to their own body, helping a person release patterns of shame or “not enough-ness”, and feel more self-love and acceptance towards their physical self. It does this by acting as a grounding support, helping you to reconnect with and settle into your body. In this way it compliments exercises that encourage body mindfulness, such as tai chi or yoga asanas. It can also help to relieve feelings of anxiousness or stress, the things we often feel when we begin to disassociate and feel ungrounded or unbalanced.
Cautions
Ingestion
The Material Safety Data Sheet, or MSDS, for patchouli oil indicates it is hazardous if ingested. If the oil is swallowed, contact Poison Control immediately. As with any oil-based material, do not induce vomiting as the oil could enter the victim’s lungs during vomiting.
Skin and Eye Irritation
Many essential oils can irritate skin because they are highly concentrated. Patchouli oil should not be applied to the skin at full strength. It should be mixed with a non-petroleum based carrier oil at a concentration of 15 drops of patchouli oil to 1 oz. of carrier oil. If full-strength oil contacts the skin, wash it off with soap and water immediately. There may be mild skin irritation, but a severe reaction could indicate an allergic response and require medical attention.
If the oil gets into the eyes, do not rub the affected area. Flush the eyes with lukewarm water for 15 minutes. An eye flush should begin at the bridge of the nose so the water flows from the inner corner to the outer corner of the eye and does not risk contaminating the other eye.
Inhalation
The strong odor of patchouli oil can be overwhelming to some people. If you begin coughing or become dizzy or sick when exposed to the oil, move to a well-ventilated area away from the odor. The long-term effects of inhalation are unknown.
Pesticides
Patchouli oil can pick up pesticides used during plant growth and transfer those toxins to people during use. Although the amount of pesticide is small, opt to use oils from organic sources.
Flammability
Patchouli oil may be combustible at high temperatures, so it should be stored away from heat or ignition sources. In the event of a fire, do not use water as it will cause the burning oil to float and spread the fire; use a fire extinguisher instead.
Interactions
None are recorded.
Other names
n/a
References
Source: YoungLiving, https://www.youngliving.com/en_US/products/patchouli-essential-oil
SustainableBabySteps, http://www.sustainablebabysteps.com/patchouli-essential-oil.html
LiveStrong, http://www.livestrong.com/article/193644-what-are-the-dangers-of-patchouli-oil/